Since the release of her 2006 debut album Kajmere, Seattle based songstress Choklate has been a mainstay in the soul music scene.
The sultry voiced natural alto says she just tries to make music from a genuine place and let’s the honesty of it speak for itself. “All of the music that I make is from my soul,” she says. Because of that honesty in her songs, she has been tapped to open for and work with a number of greats in the industry including Boyz II Men, Roy Ayers, De La Soul, Res, Dwele, and Eric Roberson among others.
Choklate took a moment to chat with RO about her recently released new single, “Whales,” who she would include in her very own super group, and something about her that may surprise her fans.
Who was musical idol and why?
The closest things to a musical idol that I have would probably be Willie Hutch. An old pal turned me on to him a few years back and I’ve never heard one song of his that I did not love. The production, writing and vocals are everything to me. The yearning in his voice, the things he talked about other than love and even the very specific ways in which he talked about love … they’re timeless. I think he’s it for me.
Name four other artist you’d include in your own supergroup?
Judah Smith from City Church, Andre 3000, Yo Gabba Gabba and Whoopi Goldberg.
If you had to do a concept album with ONE producer, who would it be and why?
Adrian Younge beccause he just gets it. My dream team would be Adrian Younge and Raphael Saddiq They understand texture in a way that lends itself to the feeling of music as well as the sound, the parts of music that speak to you deeper than just auditory. They seem to really get that. I love that musical environment but don’t get to create within it often. To work with them simultaneously on a concept project would be ill. They’d actually know what to do with my texture and natural inclinations. I’m going to hold the intention that it’s going to happen actually. I’m putting it out in the universe so that it can put it on its “to do list.”
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
The vocal booth and the stage without a doubt.
What’s the worst thing about being an artist?
Paperwork.
Name one song that you wish you wrote?
Paramore “Decode”
Tell me about your song “Whales?”
It’s a four or five year old demo that was released by a small indie label called London Tone, in Seattle, last year. It’s about a selfish lover that destroys hearts. The concept is about being in deeper waters than you should be with someone who isn’t capable of saving you once you’re both out there.
How do you use social media to your advantage?
Depends on the app really. Ultimately, it’s a way to communicate with your supporters directly, share a bit of your world with them and then of course to share your art with them as well. I suspect it’ll be time to engage far more soon, but for now there are places I go to document my journey thus far.
What is your creative process like?
I haven’t quite pinpointed my exact creative process yet. Working with different persons provoke a different process each time. A more collaborative, creative process if you will, is always slightly different than your own personal one. I guess the best way to answer is that it depends on the situation. Sometimes the lyrics come first and need a home, sometimes the melody first, sometimes the music is there to help write the song. Sometimes you’re writing with three really talented persons and spewing ideas and other times you’re in a room, headphones on, counting the bars & telling a story line by line within those bars. Sometimes lyrics hit you on the freeway, in the shower, standing in line at the post office, while you’re making breakfast, even while you’re sitting on the toilet. It’s very unpredictable from one instance to another … for me anyway.
Name one thing fans would be surprised to know about you?
I love horseback riding. Like seriously. If I could ride everyday, I would. I absolutely love horses and riding. My inner equestrian doesn’t get nearly enough attention at all.
Check out Choklate’s latest single, “Whales,” on Soundcloud and add her on Facebook.
Also follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Vine: @Choklate
Choklate’s catalog is available now at all online retailers including Amazon, iTunes, Pandora, and Spotify. For more info on Choklate please log onto www.choklateonline.com
